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Black Shuck: 1577: A Tale of Strange & Wonder: Book One
In 1577 England, Abraham Fleming, a disgraced Cambridge scholar, travels to the fog-shrouded village of Bungay to prove the existence of a mythological beast known as the Black Shuck. He collides with Edward Tanner, a cynical spy for the Crown, and Samuel, a haunted member of a secret order, who are investigating the same string of brutal, seemingly supernatural killings. As they uncover a conspiracy involving a fanatical cult, they are forced to confront not only the monstrous hound but the shared trauma that binds them to it, culminating in a desperate bargain that unleashes an even older, more dangerous power upon the world.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
P. M. Morgan
1 book4 followersP. M. Morgan is a writer from Hull, East Yorkshire, whose work is inspired by folklore, myth, and the retelling of legendary figures. He is particularly drawn to the way old stories change when they are taken seriously and placed back into their historical settings.
An avid reader of science fiction and fantasy, Morgan writes dark historical fiction that explores the uneasy boundary between recorded history and folklore. His debut novel, Black Shuck: 1577, was inspired by the real-life writings of the Elizabethan scholar Abraham Fleming and the enduring Black Shuck legend of Bungay.
When not writing or reading, he spends his time with his two daughters.
An avid reader of science fiction and fantasy, Morgan writes dark historical fiction that explores the uneasy boundary between recorded history and folklore. His debut novel, Black Shuck: 1577, was inspired by the real-life writings of the Elizabethan scholar Abraham Fleming and the enduring Black Shuck legend of Bungay.
When not writing or reading, he spends his time with his two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 4, 2026
A freebie on Kindle Unlimited.
When Abraham receives a letter from Reverend Acaster, he leaves Cambridge University in the dead of night. He's on the trail of the Black Shuck.
Set in England in 1577.
I went into this knowing nothing about it and had never heard of black shuck.
It was a gripping and engaging story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Two tiny gripes - repetition and small punctuation errors but, apart from those, it was a really great read.
When Abraham receives a letter from Reverend Acaster, he leaves Cambridge University in the dead of night. He's on the trail of the Black Shuck.
Set in England in 1577.
I went into this knowing nothing about it and had never heard of black shuck.
It was a gripping and engaging story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Two tiny gripes - repetition and small punctuation errors but, apart from those, it was a really great read.
February 21, 2026
I was lucky enough to have an advance copy of PM Morgan’s first book, Black Shuck 1577, and it was a great debut.
PM Morgan masterfully blends history, atmosphere, and suspense, creating a story that feels both authentic and thrilling.
The very real settings and interesting characters pull you in from the first few chapters and the pacing keeps you hooked throughout. A gripping, imaginative retelling of a classic legend (one which i wasn't familiar with before the book). Highly recommended.
PM Morgan masterfully blends history, atmosphere, and suspense, creating a story that feels both authentic and thrilling.
The very real settings and interesting characters pull you in from the first few chapters and the pacing keeps you hooked throughout. A gripping, imaginative retelling of a classic legend (one which i wasn't familiar with before the book). Highly recommended.
February 6, 2026
Historical fiction meets gothic horror in this well-crafted tale of the Blackshuck.
Firstly, thank you to P M Morgan for providing an ARC of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed Blackshuck 1577 for the way Morgan blends well‑researched history with a thick, unsettling sense of mystery. The atmosphere carries the same oppressive, gothic tension you’d associate with Bloodborne—storm‑laden skies, ancient churches, and the sense that something old and watchful is moving just beyond the lantern light. That balance between scholarship and dread gives the story a weight that lingers.
Its grounding in genuine East Anglian folklore strengthens that effect. Morgan draws directly from the legend of the Black Shuck and threads in the real lives of Elizabethan scholar Abraham Flemming ( A Straunge and Terrible Wunder) and his brother Samuel, using their historical presence to anchor the supernatural elements. The line between recorded fact and whispered myth blurs in a way that feels both authentic and eerie.
The characters are another highlight. They’re well developed, likeable, and easy to invest in. Edward Tanner quickly became my favourite—a bold, adventurous figure with shades of Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh, bringing a spirited contrast to the creeping horror around him, while Briony adds an element of earthly white witchcraft.
Overall, it’s an atmospheric, intelligently crafted piece of historical horror that respects the folklore while giving it fresh life. It left me thinking about the line between recorded history and the stories we tell to explain what haunts us.
Firstly, thank you to P M Morgan for providing an ARC of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed Blackshuck 1577 for the way Morgan blends well‑researched history with a thick, unsettling sense of mystery. The atmosphere carries the same oppressive, gothic tension you’d associate with Bloodborne—storm‑laden skies, ancient churches, and the sense that something old and watchful is moving just beyond the lantern light. That balance between scholarship and dread gives the story a weight that lingers.
Its grounding in genuine East Anglian folklore strengthens that effect. Morgan draws directly from the legend of the Black Shuck and threads in the real lives of Elizabethan scholar Abraham Flemming ( A Straunge and Terrible Wunder) and his brother Samuel, using their historical presence to anchor the supernatural elements. The line between recorded fact and whispered myth blurs in a way that feels both authentic and eerie.
The characters are another highlight. They’re well developed, likeable, and easy to invest in. Edward Tanner quickly became my favourite—a bold, adventurous figure with shades of Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh, bringing a spirited contrast to the creeping horror around him, while Briony adds an element of earthly white witchcraft.
Overall, it’s an atmospheric, intelligently crafted piece of historical horror that respects the folklore while giving it fresh life. It left me thinking about the line between recorded history and the stories we tell to explain what haunts us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Black Shuck a old English tale, given new life in this dark fantasy retelling.
First, thank you to the Author for letting me have the pleasure of reading this, their debut novella. Wow, what a debut it is.
The depth of character and description is beyond realism; it almost felt like I was there walking those muddy roads or crossing the marshes of ancient Britain at a time of superstition and lore.
Each of the characters became vivid, lifelike and real. Every new mention of them brought something visceral and tangible to their already well-formed and almost physical likeness in my mind, becoming more lovable or intolerable as they did.
The locations- the depth of detail made it seem like the author had been there, sketched them, and written down even the smallest of details in preparation for the story to unfold. down to even the smallest things, such as the smells or light or lack thereof, making them leap from the page, engaging me in a way that felt surreal and almost lifelike. (have tempted to visit the places and see if I can envision them as they were in the book)
Every being or person outside of the main cast still stood out, easy to see and feel their presence, even if you get that icky feeling about them.
The emotions of the book are fully engaged; you can feel the terror of sorrow, the happiness, and the laughter. I found myself speeding up with the tension, a rush of adrenaline, almost like I stood and fought at their side.
This book has reignited my passion for the darker side of fantasy, something that has dwindled in recent years, but now, thanks to this new independent author, I truly think I will be skipping a few of my TBR and grabbing another dark fantasy from the shelf.
Again, thank you for the pleasure of reading the book and the pleasure it brought to me as a reader.
First, thank you to the Author for letting me have the pleasure of reading this, their debut novella. Wow, what a debut it is.
The depth of character and description is beyond realism; it almost felt like I was there walking those muddy roads or crossing the marshes of ancient Britain at a time of superstition and lore.
Each of the characters became vivid, lifelike and real. Every new mention of them brought something visceral and tangible to their already well-formed and almost physical likeness in my mind, becoming more lovable or intolerable as they did.
The locations- the depth of detail made it seem like the author had been there, sketched them, and written down even the smallest of details in preparation for the story to unfold. down to even the smallest things, such as the smells or light or lack thereof, making them leap from the page, engaging me in a way that felt surreal and almost lifelike. (have tempted to visit the places and see if I can envision them as they were in the book)
Every being or person outside of the main cast still stood out, easy to see and feel their presence, even if you get that icky feeling about them.
The emotions of the book are fully engaged; you can feel the terror of sorrow, the happiness, and the laughter. I found myself speeding up with the tension, a rush of adrenaline, almost like I stood and fought at their side.
This book has reignited my passion for the darker side of fantasy, something that has dwindled in recent years, but now, thanks to this new independent author, I truly think I will be skipping a few of my TBR and grabbing another dark fantasy from the shelf.
Again, thank you for the pleasure of reading the book and the pleasure it brought to me as a reader.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, I want to clarify for any readers, this is not a negative review. I grade on a scale of 5 - stars for exceptional works, 4 stars for books I deeply love, and 3 stars for good to great books which I believe worth recommending. The last camp is where I find myself placing Black Shuck: 1577.
An enjoyable and competently told tale with strong characters and a gritty setting. It weaves folklore and our main characters' journeys into a dark, sometimes gruesome adventure.
I really connected with the four main leads, whose voices and strengths were all distinct and useful. They all were an integral part of the story, and you find yourself quite protective over them in a short amount of time. The story doesn't shy away from letting the characters make bad decisions, nor from punishing them for those choices, so that the events are always unfolding in ways you might not expect. I found myself constantly questioning how they were going to get themselves out of trouble next.
The setting is beautifully described and very ambiental, and will be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in this type of dark fantasy setting but with tangible historical context. The nods at the historical figures featured was especially exciting to see.
The book was definitely worth the read, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in similar fantasy/folk tales with a touch of history and the occult. This isn't my usual genre, but I still found it enjoyable. A big thank you to P.M. Morgan for giving me the chance to read and review!
An enjoyable and competently told tale with strong characters and a gritty setting. It weaves folklore and our main characters' journeys into a dark, sometimes gruesome adventure.
I really connected with the four main leads, whose voices and strengths were all distinct and useful. They all were an integral part of the story, and you find yourself quite protective over them in a short amount of time. The story doesn't shy away from letting the characters make bad decisions, nor from punishing them for those choices, so that the events are always unfolding in ways you might not expect. I found myself constantly questioning how they were going to get themselves out of trouble next.
The setting is beautifully described and very ambiental, and will be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in this type of dark fantasy setting but with tangible historical context. The nods at the historical figures featured was especially exciting to see.
The book was definitely worth the read, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in similar fantasy/folk tales with a touch of history and the occult. This isn't my usual genre, but I still found it enjoyable. A big thank you to P.M. Morgan for giving me the chance to read and review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Religion was a mask the guilty wore." - Absolutely loved this quote. Edward Tanner calling it how he sees it. Great guy.
P. M. Morgan has written a beautifully dark and atmospheric piece, and is a book that may be slow in the beginning but will grip you as it all starts coming together.
From the first chapter I actually loved Abraham, and Edward annoyed me. However as I read on, I began to enjoy both Edward and Samuel more and Abraham annoyed me, though not because of his personality. More about communication issues - without spoiling any events.
The depth given to each character, each with their own flaws, their own pasts and own ghosts weaved together for such a hauntingly beautiful plot. The attention to detail, both on environment, character development, historical accuracy intertwined with the occult and folk lore made for an interesting tale.
When I begun reading it, starting with Abraham being the first character we meet, it gave me young Sherlock Holmes vibes. This idea of something potentially supernatural happening behind the scenes, yet we still had to see it in order to believe it, created a compelling mystery.
All that being said, this isn't the usual kind of book that I read, and though I recognise the beauty and thought that went into it, I did struggle to find my own rhythm when reading. If you love a slow burn dark fantasy horror, with gothic themes, and a dance with the supernatural this could very well be the book for you.
P. M. Morgan has written a beautifully dark and atmospheric piece, and is a book that may be slow in the beginning but will grip you as it all starts coming together.
From the first chapter I actually loved Abraham, and Edward annoyed me. However as I read on, I began to enjoy both Edward and Samuel more and Abraham annoyed me, though not because of his personality. More about communication issues - without spoiling any events.
The depth given to each character, each with their own flaws, their own pasts and own ghosts weaved together for such a hauntingly beautiful plot. The attention to detail, both on environment, character development, historical accuracy intertwined with the occult and folk lore made for an interesting tale.
When I begun reading it, starting with Abraham being the first character we meet, it gave me young Sherlock Holmes vibes. This idea of something potentially supernatural happening behind the scenes, yet we still had to see it in order to believe it, created a compelling mystery.
All that being said, this isn't the usual kind of book that I read, and though I recognise the beauty and thought that went into it, I did struggle to find my own rhythm when reading. If you love a slow burn dark fantasy horror, with gothic themes, and a dance with the supernatural this could very well be the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
To start off, I’d like to thank P M Morgan for the chance to arc read Black Shuck 1577. I’ve very recently gotten into this genre and after seeing some TikToks about the book, I wanted to give it a read.
The book is set in 1577 and the end goal is to prove the existence of a mythological beast called, Black Shuck due to many brutal and what seems to be supernatural killings. This makes four individuals to collide lives when the legend of Black Shuck suddenly becomes real.
The first chapter just has you intrigued and wanting you to read on and see the journey through. Find out whether the legend is true or not. There are intense moments early on in the book that grip you straight away, especially if you had no idea about the legend in the first place… Like me…
The interpretation of locations were spot on and illustrated excellently to the point that you can picture every small detail in the story. PM was really good at making an eerie setting. All of the characters were also written really well and you knew their personalities straight away.
Before reading this book, I had no idea about the legend of Black Shuck and have since done more research into it. Readers that are into mythological tellings of old lore would thoroughly enjoy this book and I would recommend it.
The book is set in 1577 and the end goal is to prove the existence of a mythological beast called, Black Shuck due to many brutal and what seems to be supernatural killings. This makes four individuals to collide lives when the legend of Black Shuck suddenly becomes real.
The first chapter just has you intrigued and wanting you to read on and see the journey through. Find out whether the legend is true or not. There are intense moments early on in the book that grip you straight away, especially if you had no idea about the legend in the first place… Like me…
The interpretation of locations were spot on and illustrated excellently to the point that you can picture every small detail in the story. PM was really good at making an eerie setting. All of the characters were also written really well and you knew their personalities straight away.
Before reading this book, I had no idea about the legend of Black Shuck and have since done more research into it. Readers that are into mythological tellings of old lore would thoroughly enjoy this book and I would recommend it.
January 28, 2026
This book completely surprised me.. in the best way!
Historical/folklore/dark mystery fiction isn’t usually my go-to genre.. but the plot had me hooked from the start and wouldn’t let go. The foggy, creepy setting of 1577 England is pure atmosphere, and the legend of the Black Shuck is woven in so well that it honestly feels real (and very unsettling)
The characters are fantastic. Abraham, Edward, and Samuel make such a compelling trio, each carrying their own baggage and secrets, and their dynamic adds so much tension and heart to the story. I think my favourite character swapped with each chapter. Watching their paths collide as the mystery deepens was just as gripping as the supernatural elements themselves.
Special shout out to Briony; love a strong independent woman and boy was she one.💪🏼
also… #justiceforsamuel - IYKYK.
The plot keeps escalating in just the right pace to keep up whilst also keeping the tension and not being too intense.. brutal murders, secret orders and an ever-growing sense of dread. Every time I thought I knew where things were going, it managed to surprise me.. leading to a finale that’s dark, intense, and unforgettable.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me an ARC copy. This was an absolute treat to read early.
If you enjoy eerie folklore, historical settings, and stories that crawl under your skin and stay there, I can’t recommend this one enough.
The Black Shuck will be haunting my thoughts for a long time🐺 (book 2???👀)
Historical/folklore/dark mystery fiction isn’t usually my go-to genre.. but the plot had me hooked from the start and wouldn’t let go. The foggy, creepy setting of 1577 England is pure atmosphere, and the legend of the Black Shuck is woven in so well that it honestly feels real (and very unsettling)
The characters are fantastic. Abraham, Edward, and Samuel make such a compelling trio, each carrying their own baggage and secrets, and their dynamic adds so much tension and heart to the story. I think my favourite character swapped with each chapter. Watching their paths collide as the mystery deepens was just as gripping as the supernatural elements themselves.
Special shout out to Briony; love a strong independent woman and boy was she one.💪🏼
also… #justiceforsamuel - IYKYK.
The plot keeps escalating in just the right pace to keep up whilst also keeping the tension and not being too intense.. brutal murders, secret orders and an ever-growing sense of dread. Every time I thought I knew where things were going, it managed to surprise me.. leading to a finale that’s dark, intense, and unforgettable.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me an ARC copy. This was an absolute treat to read early.
If you enjoy eerie folklore, historical settings, and stories that crawl under your skin and stay there, I can’t recommend this one enough.
The Black Shuck will be haunting my thoughts for a long time🐺 (book 2???👀)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a read! I was gripped from the very beginning and that is not an easy feat! I love folklore, myth and legend so this was right up my street but I would honestly recommend it to anyone regardless of your preference.
My favourite character, by far, is Edward. The others are just as fantastically written but Edward, I wanted to protect him at all costs.
You fully live this book with the characters, their fear, their excitement, their struggles, their anxiety and their pain. It's a difficult book to put down because you feel that pull to know what happens next. Not in the slightest bit predictable and the author hasn't shied away from putting you through some very emotive moments with your favourite people.
It is so incredibly descriptive that you can see what the characters are seeing and smell the burning and devastation the Shuck leaves in its wake.
It has left me eager to read the next one!
My favourite character, by far, is Edward. The others are just as fantastically written but Edward, I wanted to protect him at all costs.
You fully live this book with the characters, their fear, their excitement, their struggles, their anxiety and their pain. It's a difficult book to put down because you feel that pull to know what happens next. Not in the slightest bit predictable and the author hasn't shied away from putting you through some very emotive moments with your favourite people.
It is so incredibly descriptive that you can see what the characters are seeing and smell the burning and devastation the Shuck leaves in its wake.
It has left me eager to read the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was privileged to read this book before it is actually released. I must say that I really enjoyed this book and is an excellent first release from new author PM Morgan. I found the descriptive writing style captivating and I really felt like I was there. The characters were real and likeable. I look forward to the next instalment. Highly recommend 👌
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews